RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received in Jeddah on Tuesday visiting Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and his accompanying delegation. The meeting discussed bilateral relations and cooperation, in addition to issues of mutual interest, the Saudi Press Agency said. Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman, National Security Adviser Musaed Al-Aiban, and US ambassador to the Kingdom Michael Ratney attended the meeting.

RIYADH: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has announced the beginning of a new research era to develop communication technologies from 5G to 6G in collaboration with a foreign company. The Saudi Press Agency reported that telecommunications experts expect that by 2025, there will be more than 50 billion devices connected to the internet, including devices that control city power grids and devices used for browsing social media and platforms.

LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke on Monday. Starmer thanked the crown prince for giving his congratulations on the Labour Party leader’s election victory and reported on his first days in government, a Downing Street statement said. While discussing the situation in the Middle East, the prime minister praised the crown prince for his leadership in supporting regional stability, and emphasized the UK’s enduring commitment to peace and security in the region.

MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan received in Madinah on Monday the Deputy Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid Al-Mudaifer. Issues related to the industrial and mining sector at regional level were discussed, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The ministry’s role in creating a lucrative investment environment in the Madinah region was also looked at, through projects related to the industrial and mining sector and programs aimed at stimulating investment and job opportunities for Saudis.    

Riham El-Gizy is the CEO of Voluntary Carbon Market, a Saudi company which is the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region. In the company’s first 18 months, El-Gizy led the world’s largest-ever voluntary carbon market auction in Riyadh in 2022, before setting a new record at a second auction in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2023. She now leads the development of Saudi Arabia’s first carbon exchange, launching in 2024.

AL-MITHNAB: The Qassim Municipality’s Al-Mithnab branch has successfully executed a simulation of heavy rainfall and flash floods. The drill, which involved all relevant departments and divisions, put the region’s disaster preparedness to the test in order to bolster its emergency response capabilities. The exercise saw the activation of the emergency rainfall plan. Some 40 field personnel were mobilized alongside a fleet of 12 vehicles and machinery, all operating under the comprehensive Emergency and Disaster Management Plan.

RIYADH: Citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia are no strangers to extreme heat conditions, and over the years they have learned to adapt. But as temperatures rise, so do the bugs. And sometimes the problem cannot simply be swatted away. Tephriditae fruit flies, such as the Mediterranean fruit fly and the olive fruit fly, as well as insects such as the red palm weevil, are among the biggest antagonizing forces against the nation’s plant and fruit supply.

RIYADH: A state-of-the-art veterinary laboratory will be built in Riyadh to develop local vaccines against animal diseases. A contract worth more than SR175 million ($46.6 million) was signed by Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli to establish the site. The laboratory will conduct disease diagnosis as well as vaccine development and localization in the Middle East, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Monday a terrorist attack targeting a cafe in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu on Sunday that killed nine people. A car bomb exploded outside the cafe in Mogadishu on Sunday night, killing nine and injuring 20 as patrons were watching the final of the Euro 2024 football tournament on TV. The Kingdom affirmed its support for the government and people of Somalia, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

MADINAH: The central Madinah Date Market is witnessing an uptick in activity as the fruit’s harvesting season in Saudi Arabia continues apace. The harvesting of date palms begins in the first quarter of June every year across 29,000 farms in the region. The market is characterized by the variety of types of fresh dates on offer, which are famous in Madinah and its governorates, including Routhana, Rabia, Halia, Suwaidaa, Halwa, Lona Musaid and others.

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief continued its humanitarian aid projects in Jordan and Somalia, reported state news agency SPA on Sunday. In Jordan, the aid agency provided medical services to 2,271 patients living in Zaatari camp for Syrian refugees. The services ranged from general medicine for adults and children to dental care and vaccinations. In Somalia, the kidney dialysis center at Banadir Hospital in Mogadishu, supported by the aid agency, served 348 patients last month.

CAIRO: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Egypt Saleh bin Eid Al-Hosseini presented his credentials to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo on Sunday, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The ambassador conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and their wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the Egyptian people. Al-Husseini was warmly welcomed by El-Sisi and wished him well in his role as ambassador.

RIYADH: The Reconciliation Center at the Ministry of Justice issued over 330,000 electronic reconciliation documents in nine tracks, including personal status, traffic, real estate, criminal, commercial, labor, financial, intellectual property, and medical errors. The center offers reconciliation services on the website taradhi.moj.gov.sa to resolve disputes, with skilled mediators and experts operating according to institutional procedures and approved legislation.

RIYADH: The National Water Co., represented by its northern sector, has begun implementing 14 water and environmental projects in various parts of the Qassim region, with a total cost exceeding SR561 million ($149.56 million). This aims to increase the coverage rates of water and environmental services, improve their quality, and meet the growing demand for these services.

RIYADH: The head of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam, Ousama Al-Gosaibi, thanked and praised the Saudi leadership for the help and support provided to Yemen to eliminate the threat of mines and explosives. As the Saudi aid agency KSrelief extends Masam’s contract for landmine clearance in Yemen for the seventh consecutive year, Al-Gosaibi said in a press statement that the project succeeded during the past six years in carrying out its humanitarian operations on Yemeni territory, achieving high performance rates in all its field operations.

RIYADH: With the resurgence of equestrian sports in the Kingdom, Saudi women in Tabuk are reconnecting with their heritage and taking the reins with skill and passion. In a recent interview, equestrian Arwa Al-Talbi spoke to the Saudi Press Agency about the beginnings of her journey into the world of horses. “My relationship with horses began five years ago when I read about the psychological philosophy of equestrianism, which inspired me to learn to ride,” Al-Talbi said

JEDDAH: Meet Rakan Kurdi, a Saudi artist who was born with spinal muscular atrophy and is determined to navigate life, and explore art, on his own terms. Kurdi’s journey with paints and brushes began at a young age when he joined the Children with Disability Association, a specialized school for people with disabilities in Jeddah. He is now one of the coastal city’s most popular artists, selling works and winning many prizes.

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan was received by Turkish President Recep Erdogan in Istanbul on Sunday on an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Turkey, Saudi Press Agency reported. The also spoke about regional developments and efforts to ensure stability in the region. The meeting between Prince Faisal and the Turkish president was also attended by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, Saud Al-Sati, and Saudi ambassador to Turkiye Fahad Abu Al-Nasr.

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday received a letter from the Emir of Qatar, relating to relations between the two brotherly countries, Saudi Press Agency reported. The message was received on behalf of foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan by deputy minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji during a reception in Riyadh with the Qatari ambassador to the Kingdom Bandar Mohammed Al-Attiyah.

DAMMAM: The Eastern Province Municipality has recently confirmed more than 6,000 contracts in the field of investments and revenue development in the cities and governorates of the province, the Saudi Press Agency reported. According to SPA, this will contribute to the creation of tens of thousands of job opportunities and support economic growth and development in the area.

RIYADH: Weqaa, the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases, recently identified the most invasive plant types discovered in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported The invasive plants identified by the technical team were the prickly pear; two types of Austrocylindropuntia — Hudson pear cactus and Eve’s needle cactus; mesquite (Prosopis); tree tobacco; parthenium; lantanas; two types of argemone; sweet rush plant; and two types of reeds — the common reed and the giant reed.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia expressed on Sunday its condemnation and denunciation of the attempt on the life of the former President of the US Donald Trump, Saudi Press Agency reported. The Kingdom affirmed its complete solidarity with the US, the former President and his family. Trump was hit in the ear in an assassination attempt by a gunman at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

DUBAI: Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum received the Saudi ambassador to the UAE Sultan bin Abdullah Al-Angari on Saturday during a reception in the emirate, Saudi Press Agency reported. Sheikh Mohammed, who is also vice president and prime minister of UAE, wished the ambassador success in his mission. Al-Angari passed on the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Sheikh Mohammed, along with their wishes for continued progress and prosperity to the government and people of the UAE.

ANKARA: Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Ambassador Dr. Saud Al-Sati recently met Turkiye’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Nut Yilmaz at the Turkish ministry’s headquarters in Ankara on Friday. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries, regional and international developments, and issues of common interest, the Saudi foreign ministry reported on X early on Saturday. Saudi Ambassador to Turkiye Fahad Abualnasr was among the officials present.    

Ahmad Alshubbar is the chief financial officer of Rawabi Holding Group, a diversified conglomerate headquartered in Alkhobar. He is a member of the Rawabi Holding Board Investment Committee; the executive committee of Rawabi Electric; and the board of Rawabi Energy Co., Human Resources Business Support Co., and Equatoriale Energy in Singapore. Alshubbar provides financial insight to the leadership of the group’s core operating entities. He works with the C-suite in developing the future equity capital market and debt capital market transactions.

RIYADH: With its vast green spaces, dense forest and mild climate, Raghadan Park is among Baha’s most popular destinations for tourists looking for outdoor fun. In an interview with the Saudi Press Agency, Ali Al-Sawat, the mayor of the Baha region, spoke of the municipal projects within Raghadan Forest Park.

JEDDAH/RIYADH: The Saudi Artisanal Company is playing a central role in the development of Saudi Arabia’s flourishing handicrafts sector — a reminder of the Kingdom’s rich heritage and commitment to honoring its traditions. According to the company’s acting CEO, Ibrahim Al-Dulaijan, the SAC is “leveraging the country’s cultural wealth to empower Saudi artisans, build sustainable partnerships, and deliver Saudi-crafted goods that are an integral part of the nation’s legacy.

JEDDAH: The Jeddah Astronomy Society has announced that the moon, in its first-quarter phase for the month of Muharram, will be visible in the sky over the Arab world during daylight hours on Saturday July 13, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The moon will rise at noon local time from the eastern horizon and reach its highest point in the sky at sunset, giving astronomy enthusiasts an excellent opportunity to study its surface. After nightfall, Spica, one of the 20 brightest stars in the night sky, will be visible near the moon.

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture held a meeting to review the utilization of renewable water and how to maximize its economic value, as well as to plan supply and demand in all regions, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. According to the SPA, the ministry’s plans are in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

RIYADH: Peru’s embassy opened its doors in Riyadh to Peruvians living in Saudi Arabia to celebrate its national day and the Peruvian independence month of July.   “Today is a special occasion for the Peruvians, it’s a gathering during this month. Why? Because July is the month of our independence,” Carlos Zapata, the ambassador of Peru to Saudi Arabia, told Arab News.   “Our independence is on July 28 but we celebrate now because I have the opportunity to gather lots of the Peruvians before they move for vacation,” he said.  

RIYADH: Saudi authorities have arrested five people for drug trafficking offenses, seizing a large volume of the narcotic plant qat and hashish, plus amphetamine tablets and other restricted drugs in separate operations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday. Agents of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested three Egyptian residents in Riyadh during one operation and seized 35 kilograms of hashish, 12,260 amphetamine tablets and 24,991 prescription tablets. 

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief signed an agreement with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on Thursday to support the Yemen Humanitarian Fund, state news agency SPA reported. The aid agency committed $9 million to the cause, and the initiative is part of KSrelief’s humanitarian aid program in Yemen. The agreement was signed via video conference by KSrelief Assistant Supervisor General of Operations and Programs Ahmed Al-Baiz and UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya.

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has distributed 1,200 food parcels in the Beheira region of Chad, benefiting 7,200 people most in need, as part of a project to support food security in Chad in 2024, the state news agency SPA reported late on Friday. The assistance is part of a series of humanitarian projects Saudi Arabia implements through KSrelief to help countries and people worldwide.

RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center performed three successful heart transplants in Riyadh on Thursday, state news agency SPA reported. A nine-year-old girl was among the patients who received a successful transplant. She was suffering from heart muscle weakness and needed a donation urgently. A suitable donor was found for her in coordination with the UAE’s Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation and the National Program for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue.

RIYAD: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan hosted Anne-Claire Legendre, the advisor to the French president for the Middle East and North Africa, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday. During the meeting at the ministry on Friday, the two sides reviewed Saudi-French relations, ways to strengthen ties in various fields and the latest regional developments, particularly concerning the Gaza Strip. The meeting was attended by Prince Saad bin Mansour Al-Saud, director general of the General Department for European Affairs at the Foreign Ministry.